Emergency Grant to Aid 250 Idaho Workers

A National Emergency Grant worth $1,825,595 has recently been provided by The United States Department of Labor for displaced workers in Idaho. The grant will provide re-employment services to approximately 250 workers laid off in Nampa, Idaho by XL Four Star Beef, Inc. The meat processing and packing facility closed its doors in June 2011, citing the age of the plant and poor economic conditions as the main reasons for its closure.

“I know that it is difficult to find a job in an area experiencing high unemployment. That’s why this federal grant which will support the retraining of Canyon County residents is so important,” said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. “The Obama administration is committed to assisting both these workers, and at the same time Idaho’s businesses, by making sure the local labor force is ready and able to help support the state’s growing industries.”

The announcement of the award comes soon after the D.O.L. issued a similar emergency grant for displaced workers in Wisconsin. As part of the secretary of labor’s discretionary fund, emergency grants are used to temporarily enhance a state’s training and employment programs. The size and scope of the awards are based on sizable unemployment events as well as a state’s ability to meet specific guidelines.

“The grant is being awarded to the Idaho Department of Labor, which will use skill assessment tools and career counseling to identify education and retraining opportunities, including English for speakers of other languages instruction, The D.O.L. said in a recent press release. “Of the total funding amount, $928,386 will be released initially. Additional funding up to the amount approved will be made available as the state demonstrates a continued need for assistance.”